RSTAB - Structural Frame & Truss Analysis Software

Structural Engineering Analysis & Design Software

The 3D structural frame analysis program RSTAB is the ideal tool for the design of beam, frame, or truss structures consisting of steel, reinforced concrete, timber, aluminum, or other materials.

With RSTAB you can easily and quickly define a structural model and then calculate the internal forces, deformations, and support reactions. For further design, there are various add‑on modules available, considering structural data of specific materials and standards.

Useful Tools for Fast Generation of Structures

Useful auxiliary functions and tools for generation of structures including loads facilitate the modeling process. Member nonlinearities (creeping, tearing, slippage, friction, and others) are also possible as well as rigid couplings, nonlinear springs, or eccentric connections.

Cross-Section and Material Libraries Including Favorites

Extensive cross‑section and material libraries facilitate modeling of plate and beam structures. These libraries can be filtered and extended by user‑defined entries. It is possible to import and analyze special cross‑sections from SHAPE‑THIN and SHAPE‑MASSIVE.

Combined and Hybrid Cross-Sections

It is possible to define combined timber cross-sections such as U‑, T-, I- and box‑shaped beams. Single elements are connected by rigid or semi‑rigid connections.

Furthermore, there are hybrid cross‑sections available. In this case, a submenu provides the option to assign different materials to the individual cross‑section parts.

Working with Layers

There are various tools such as the object snap, user‑defined input grids, and guidelines, which facilitate the graphical input of structural data. DXF files can be imported as line models or used as a layer in the background in order to use specific snap points.

Useful Generating Tools

Generating tools to enter parametric models such as frames, halls, trusses, spiral stairways, arcs, or roofs. In addition, many generators allow for the creation of load cases and loading resulting from weight, snow, and wind.

Optional Parametric Input

In order to work with recurring structural systems efficiently, RSTAB provides the parametrized input. You can combine it with a parametrizable guideline method: Structures can be created using particular parameters and adjusted to a new situation by modifying the parameters.

Simple Selection According to Specific Categories

Various buttons allow for direct change of perspective and work plane. By zooming, rotating and shifting the structure you can quickly adjust the appropriate view. Partial views represent specific structural parts clearly. Inactive objects can be displayed transparently in the background. By selecting structural elements according to special criteria, it is possible to group objects in a simple way.

Easy Model Input

Structures are entered as 2D or 3D models. Since RSTAB follows the general standards of Windows applications, the program is easy to operate - even for beginners. Member types such as truss girders, tension or buckling members facilitate the definition of member properties.

Member and Support Nonlinearities

It is possible to specifiy nonlinearities of member end releases (yielding, tearing, slippage, etc.) and supports (including friction). Using stress-strain and stiffness diagrams, you can define support and release properties close to reality.

Variable Member Properties

Members can be arranged eccentrically, supported by elastic foundations, or defined as rigid connections. Tapers, non-linear springs with activity zone, friction, and cohesion are possible as well. Sets of members facilitate application of loading on several members. Load ordinates of modified loads are adjusted automatically.

Wind and Snow Load Generation According to Eurocode

Two‑dimensional loads can be converted to selected members. Load generators create wind loads according to EN 1991‑1‑4, snow loads according to EN 1991‑1‑3, and coating loads (ice). You can save recurring load combinations as templates.

Automatic Renumbering of Objects

The numbering of structural objects such as nodes and members can be adjusted subsequently. It is possible to renumber objects automatically in accordance with the selected priorities (directions of axes).

Simple Model Check

Members can be extended or divided graphically. The model check quickly detects entry errors such as identical nodes or double members and deletes them. When entering structural data, you can automatically connect intersecting members. The measure function allows for the determination of member and surface lengths and angles.

Various Load Types

For member and nodal loads, there are various load types such as force, moment, temperature, axial strain, precamber, initial prestress, imposed displacement, and others. Member loads can be assigned to members, sets of members, and member lists. In the case of imperfections, RSTAB determines inclination and precamber according to Eurocode.

Optional Regeneration of Model

It is possible to edit a model in the active rendering. The "Regenerate Model" function is useful when correcting slight deviations of node coordinates. Furthermore, it is possible to determine the centroid as well as the weight of the selected structural objects.

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